Advances in Technology and Automation Have Reduced the Need for Manual Labour - IELTS Writing Task 2

The IELTS Writing Task 2 Opinion Essay, “Advances in technology and automation have reduced the need for manual labour. Therefore, working hours should be reduced,” asks candidates to evaluate the implications of technological advancements on the traditional work structure and consider whether reducing working hours would be an effective solution. This essay explores both sides of the argument, presenting the potential benefits and challenges of reducing working hours in response to automation, and offers a reasoned conclusion based on the analysis of these factors.

Question

Outline

Essay Type

Opinion essay

Introduction

Sentences 1&2 –

Technology and its innovations play a pervasive role in the lives of people today. A commonly held notion is that advancements in technology can diminish workloads and lessen the need for manual labour which calls for a reduction in working hours.

Sentence 3 – I agree with this statement and in the following essay, I will explain why working hours should be curtailed.

Body Paragraphs:

Paragraph 1 – Reduction in working hours due to automation can lead to better work-life balance for employees.

Paragraph 2 – Automation of jobs causing lessened working hours can also be favourable for employee productivity.

Paragraph 3 – However, it should be borne in mind that automation of jobs can also cause unemployment for some people and is not suitable for all industries.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I believe that while automation of jobs engendered by technological progress and the subsequent lessening of working hours is largely beneficial, it is not without its problems. Introducing automation should be done bearing in mind the needs of the specific industry and the workers involved.

Advances in Technology and Automation Have Reduced the Need for Manual Labour - Sample Answer 1

Technology and its innovations have become deeply enmeshed in the lives of people today. A commonly held notion is that advancements in technology can diminish workloads and lessen the need for manual labour, which calls for a reduction in working hours. I agree with this statement and in the following essay, I will explain why working hours should be curtailed.

To begin with, scaling down working hours can lead to better work-life balance for employees. Spending less time working will enable people to focus on their avocations outside work and also spend time with family and fulfil familial commitments. Research regarding the introduction of the four-day work week, for example, has shown promising outcomes for employee contentment and well-being.

Moreover, reduction of working hours helps cut down costs and boost productivity. Employees are more engaged with their work and are less likely to make aberrations. The production of work has become economical in terms of time and money, with more industries than ever being mechanised. With more spare time on their hands, employees are more fulfilled and happier, which indicates propitious outcomes for their productivity.

However, the cutback in manual labour due to technological advancements also has certain drawbacks. Firstly, the mechanisation of jobs eradicates certain job roles rather than creating them, which leads to unemployment and other adverse implications. Secondly, the automation of jobs does not apply to all industries, such as handicrafts and cottage industries which hinges on the manual labour of proficient craftsmen.

In conclusion, I believe that while the advent of the automation of jobs fomented by technological progress and the subsequent lessening of working hours is largely beneficial, it is not without its problems. Introducing automation should be done bearing in mind the needs of the specific industry and the workers involved.

Advances in Technology and Automation Have Reduced the Need for Manual Labour - Sample Answer 2

Advancements in technology and automation have drastically changed the way industries operate, reducing the need for manual labour. As machines and artificial intelligence take on repetitive and physically demanding tasks, many argue that working hours should be reduced accordingly. I strongly agree with this viewpoint, as fewer working hours would improve employee well-being and boost productivity.

Firstly, automation has significantly enhanced efficiency across various sectors. Machines can now handle tasks with greater speed and precision than humans, leading to increased output. For example, in manufacturing, robotic systems work non-stop, producing goods faster than human workers could. Consequently, the need for long hours is no longer necessary to meet production targets.

Moreover, reducing working hours would help combat issues such as burnout and stress. Many workers today struggle with long hours, which can harm their mental and physical health. By cutting back on work hours, employees would have more time to recharge, leading to a happier, more motivated workforce. Research has shown that when employees work fewer hours, they tend to be more focused and productive during their work time.

In conclusion, given the efficiency brought by automation, reducing working hours is a sensible solution. Not only would this benefit workers by improving their work-life balance, but it would also lead to higher productivity in the long run.

Advances in Technology and Automation Have Reduced the Need for Manual Labour - Sample Answer 3

While automation and technology have certainly reduced the need for manual labour, I do not believe that this justifies a reduction in working hours. In fact, such a move could create economic instability and further job displacement.

Firstly, automation has not entirely replaced human workers; it has shifted the types of tasks required. Many workers are still needed for higher-level roles that machines cannot perform, such as maintenance of automated systems or decision-making. Rather than cutting working hours, the focus should be on providing workers with the training necessary to adapt to the new roles created by technological advancements.

Secondly, reducing working hours could negatively impact workers’ income, especially those in hourly-wage positions. For many people, longer hours are crucial to meeting financial needs. Shortening work hours may lead to financial strain for those who rely on a full income, further exacerbating issues like inequality.

Furthermore, some industries, such as healthcare and education, require constant human interaction, and reducing hours could lead to understaffing. Workers in these sectors often work long hours due to the demanding nature of their jobs, and reducing their hours may compromise the quality of services provided to the public.

In conclusion, while automation has changed the nature of work, reducing working hours is not the solution. Instead, we should focus on reskilling workers and ensuring fair wages to adapt to this evolving landscape.

Advances in Technology and Automation Have Reduced the Need for Manual Labour - Vocabulary

The following are some of the IELTS Vocabulary found in the above writing sample answers. 

• Enmesh

Meaning – Entangle or involve
Example – The fishes were enmeshed in the nets cast by the fishermen on trawlers.

•  Contentment

Meaning – Satisfaction
Example – Sheila experienced a feeling of contentment at having successfully baked and frosted her first cake.

•  Promising

Meaning – Likely to succeed or turn out well
Example – The teachers predicted that Lily would have a promising career after finishing school.

•  Eradicate

Meaning – Eliminate or do away with
Example – Smallpox has been successfully eradicated with the advancement of modern medicine.

• Proficient

Meaning – Adept or skilled
Example – Not only was he an immensely talented actor, but he was also proficient in singing.

•  Mechanise

Meaning – To make something mechanical or automatic
Example – The advent of tractors and other technology mechanised farming, reducing manual labour.

• Aberration

Meaning – Lapse or error
Example – The defeat of Spain, the previous winners, was considered to be something of an aberration in football.

• Foment

Meaning – Induce or instigate
Example – She knew exactly how to foment a conflict between the other members of the group.

•  Advent

Meaning – Arrival
Example – The advent of war meant hardship was becoming increasingly common.

•  Curtail

Meaning – Reduce or cut short
Example – Her stay was curtailed by a fire that originated in the hotel.

In conclusion, the IELTS opinion essay topic “Advances in Technology and Automation Have Reduced the Need for Manual Labour - IELTS Writing Task 2” asks candidates to evaluate the impact of technological advancements on working hours. With 3 sample answers and practical tips, this blog helps learners present clear arguments, structure ideas effectively, and improve their chances of achieving a higher band score in IELTS Writing Task 2.

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